Rattlesnake - Portrait of a Predator [Hardcover]

Manny Rubio (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 17, 1998

Illustrated with more than 250 dramatic original color photographs depicting not only fangs and rattles but also intricate patterns and extraordinary camouflage, Rattlesnake traces the evolution and behavior of the more than eighty living species and subspecies of rattlesnakes—from East Coast timber rattlesnakes to California's desert-dwelling sidewinders to South America's neotropical species. Explaining the functions of anatomical characteristics such as heat-sensitive facial pits, Manny Rubio also describes rattlesnakes' diverse habitats, feeding strategies, reproductive cycles, and seasonal hibernation patterns. Drawing on recent research and replete with never-before-published photographs, Rattlesnake is landmark guide for both professional and amateur herpetologists, as well as a fascinating introduction to the most maligned reptile of the Americas.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

YA-In this remarkable study, Rubio provides detailed information on almost everything anyone would want to know about rattlesnakes-their origins, habitats, physiology, and anatomy. But he doesn't stop there. He also examines our different relationships with them, from commercial exploitation to their place in lore and religion. Appendixes list the scientific, English, and Spanish names of the snakes and include a detailed glossary of terms relevant to their study. The real draw of Rattlesnake, however, is the more than 250 full-color photographs that capture both the beauty and the power of these reptiles. Whether it is a picture of a diamondback posed to strike or of snake-handling religious sects, the illustrations are not for the squeamish. This book will hold the attention of both recreational readers and budding herpetologists.
Robert Burnham, R. E. Lee High School, Springfield, VA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

No one is neutral on the subject of rattlesnakes--people either loathe them or find them fascinating. It is also impossible to be neutral about this marvelous new book on rattlesnakes, the only poisonous snakes with the buzzing warning. Lawrence Klauber's monumental Rattlesnakes (1956) is the standard scholarly work on the subject, but Rubio's new semipopular work is a worthy successor, beautifully illustrated with the author's color photographs (which Klauber lacked). Fourteen chapters cover the basics of anatomy, senses, reproduction, fangs, and poison, as well as more esoteric subjects, such as rattlesnake roundups and religious snake-handling, with equal thoroughness and depth. Rubio's captivation with his subject comes through in his writing, but he is able to present the accounts of snake-handling and roundups with dispassion, allowing readers to form their own opinions on these controversial practices. Three excellent appendixes list scientific and common names (in English and Spanish) of all species of rattlesnakes and addresses of North American herpetological societies, and a glossary defines biological terms relevant to rattlesnakes. A lengthy bibliography completes an extremely valuable book, which is highly recommended for all libraries. Nancy Bent

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Smithsonian Institution Press (August 17, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1560988088
• ISBN-13: 978-1560988083
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.9 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,123,267 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great book, great info, great photography, July 22, 2004

By 

W. Paul W. "Paul White" (Amarillo, TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rattlesnake - Portrait of a Predator (Hardcover)

This book is a good resource for those who are interested in rattlers without being interested enough to read Klauber's treatise on the subject. The information is sound, and goes into fair depth, although at times I felt that a more scholarly less pop tone would have worked better. Still the author did what he set out to do; produce a great work on rattlesnakes that was accessible. It's easily worth reading, and is very informative. Although much of the info you can get from Klauber, there are many cases where Rubio has provided useful and worthwhile revisions/changes/additons to material (medicinal significance, the ecological effect of roundups, taxonomy etc.). These make the book more than a contemporary rehash of Kaluber's masterpiece.
The text alone would be worth the price of the book; the photography makes the book a steal. This man knows how to take pictures; some of the best photos of rattlers I've ever seen (and I've seen and taken several) are here. I borrowed this book from a library, expecting something that was little more than an update on Klauber; however, this work stands alone very well, and is informative--I intend to buy it. The photos are on par with any herp photography I've ever seen, and are impressive and useful; almost worth the price of the book themselves. This book is a must have, and well worth the time and money that one must invest to read it.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful look at a fascinating subject., November 16, 2002

By 

Roger J. Buffington (Huntington Beach, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Rattlesnake - Portrait of a Predator (Hardcover)

I have always been fascinated by rattlesnakes, ever since living in the heart of California's rattlesnake country as a young lad. This book covers the subject in loving and fascinating detail, with loads of superb photographs which splendidly support the excellent text. These are magnificent and beneficial animals and the author does a superb job of writing about them.

My only criticism of the book is that it spends a lot of time dealing with human activities as regards rattlesnakes, such as the notorious "rattlesnake roundups," which the author rightly explains to be unconscionable predations by man against innocent and essential creatures. I would have rather seen even more space devoted to a pure scientific study of rattlers. But this is a minor quibble, and many will doubtless disagree with me because these sections are very well done and interesting.

The book's scientific discussion of rattlesnakes is very interesting. These are amazing creatures and the author plainly is highly motivated by the subject. This book is a labor of love in which the reader will delight to share.

This is a wonderful book for anyone interested in rattlers.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent photography and information, imprtant contribution, January 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Rattlesnake - Portrait of a Predator (Hardcover)

I received a copy of this excellent book as a gift this past Christmas. Finally I was able to put it down and I wanted to support this book.The Photography is unbeleivable and the information is presented clearly and without the stuffy know it all attitude of many other authors. I get the sense he wants the reader to understand and appreciate the material without making it too complex. This is an excellent choice for beginning herpetologists. I have been to several of the locations mentioned in the text and the book reminded me of my own experiances with these magnificant animals. I would highly recommend this book to all those intersted in rattlesnakes.